Hybrid View

I wish I would have brought--NOT

This is the opposite of teh "I wish I would have brought" thread. A while back there was once and I had taken things that I wished I would have left home. Now as I pack for our trip leaving Friday, I can't for the life of me remember what those things were. So here I am asking for your suggestions of what you took that you wish you would have left at home. Hopefully this will job my memory!

things to bring

The basics toothbrushes etc. 2 to 3 Swimsuits one coverup, a sundress or casual outfit for each dinner. Sunscreen and thermal cup to keep drinks cold. Water camera if you scuba or snorkel. Water shoes for Dunn's, Closed toed shoes and slacks for guys at the 2 nice restaurants. A smile and relaxed attitude that is it! Please tell Kadion that Anthony and Sandy say hi!

Now that I got that out of my system..... I have never needed the bug spray, never needed all of those "day clothes". Totally didn't need all the shoes I brought. No need for body wash or lotion, or aloe (unless you prefer your own). Hope this helps, please have a drink for me, and let's get together when you get back!!

A few years back when I was packing to leave "home" and go back to New Jersey (where we live the rest of our time), I started packing the clothes we wore in one bag and the clothes we didn't wear in another. What I discovered - the bag with the clothes we DIDN'T wear had alot more stuff in it. I've changed the way I pack, and STILL seem to take Way too much. (maybe because we spend every day on the "naked"Island? LOL

Oh, I ALWAYS pack WAY too many tanks and shorts! I end up spending my days in bathing suits, with the exception of a pair of shorts and tank for lunch . . I usually pack 2 tanks per day. . .NOT needed! lol

It was our first ttrip so, I can see where we made a few mistakes but I'd say next time, we're leaving some money at home. There was no need to have a large amount unless you already have plans made for excursions.

The thought of paying to check each bag, each way or even worse, the threat of paying for an overweight bag should have you taking lots of unneeded things out, like heels (who the heck wears heels to the beach other than Bridgett???)

More then half of our shoes! The sand at CSA is so soft & clean, that we were barefoot most of the time (during the day)! My husband did not need all the shirts & shorts eiether. For me, I also did not wear half of my jewlery/acessories and I did not wear any make up besides a little lip gloss. We were totally in our element and just relaxed and went with the flow. No fuss & no big deal made out of anything.

I think that over packing is the one thing that EVERYONE learns about on their first trip. We are preparing for our fourth trip to CSA next summer, and I think we are beginning to learn to pack properly.

Too many shoes is my wife's most common error. Some flip flops, a pair of heels and a pair of tennis shoes will be plenty.

Too many dress clothes also. A couple of dresses for my wife, one collared shirt, a couple of polo shirts and one pair of slacks for me. A pair of shorts for travel (yes, I will wear them both ways) and a pair to wear to dinner on non-dressy nights, which is most nights. Tee shirts and coverups for breakfast and lunch.

The only thing we will pack multiple sets of is swim wear. We will allow for a fresh suit daily, with an extra. We spend all day, everyday, in our swim suits, so that is the most important item of clothing for the whole week.

A couple of hats for walking the beach and that's about it. I'm sure we will pack more than we need again, but we will lighten our load from years past also.

Thanks everyone. Nothing is coming to mind. I already thought of what you have brought up--ie. I don't need a different color flip flop for each swim suit. I also don't think I need to take too many work out clothes--yea, right, I'm going work out-tee hee.

One thing I have discovered during our 8 (soon to be 9) trips to CSA. If you wash out your swimsuits etc. with a little soap it does a better job of getting the salt out. Then things dry a lot more quickly. That way you need to bring less. I pack one travel size box of Tide and it does us for a full week. This also works for quick dry tennis shirts.